Foods And Drinks To Avoid After Cosmetic Dental Treatments
Posted on 01/15/2026
West Gate Dental is a family dentist in Lincoln, NE that offers comprehensive dental services for patients of all ages. Our caring staff prioritizes your comfort and safety during every visit. We use advanced equipment like state-of-the-art digital X-rays to ensure accurate diagnostics without unnecessary radiation. Whether you need a teeth cleaning or restorative dental care, we’re ready to assist.
Our team also takes the time to educate patients on how to protect and maintain their results. We'll provide clear guidance on what foods and drinks to avoid after cosmetic dental treatments.
Coffee, Tea, Wine, and Other Staining Beverages
Steer clear of dark beverages like tea and wine after getting dental treatment. These items are some of the most common sources of discoloration, especially after having your teeth cleaned or whitened. They are also problematic after bonding and veneer procedures because they increase the risk of staining. The pigments in these drinks like to settle into the porous surfaces of tooth enamel and dental restorations, dulling results. Avoiding coffee and other staining beverages is one of the easiest ways to preserve your teeth’s brightness and appearance.
- Coffee
- Black tea
- Green tea
- Red wine
- White wine
- Cola
- Dark sodas
- Sports drinks with coloring
Extremely Hard and Crunchy Foods
The last thing you want to do after getting your teeth bonded or veneered is to put excess pressure on them. Eating hard or crunchy foods makes your teeth especially vulnerable to cracking and chipping. Even the best dental work is susceptible to rigid foods and habits like chewing ice. Sticking to softer options like yogurt or scrambled eggs is a simple way to prevent damage.
- Ice
- Hard candy
- Popcorn kernels
- Nuts
- Pretzels
- Corn chips
- Crusty bread ends
- Unpopped popcorn
Sticky and Chewy Treats
Chewy treats like caramels and taffy are great for satisfying a sweet tooth, but they stick to the teeth, which can stress bonding and even cause damage if a restoration were to loosen. Sugar-heavy treats are also a hazard to your oral health because they raise the risk of tooth decay, particularly if you don’t brush soon after eating.
- Caramel
- Taffy
- Gummy bears
- Licorice
- Chewing gum
- Fruit snacks
- Toffee
- Sticky protein bars
Sugary Sodas and Acidic Beverages
Too much acidity and sugar in beverages can weaken enamel and damage dental veneers. This happens because teeth become more sensitive and prone to staining when acid softens their surfaces. The risk of decay near restorations also increases, since sugar feeds harmful germs. The same applies to acidic fruits like lemons and grapefruits, so it’s best to avoid them as well.
- Regular soda
- Diet soda
- Energy drinks
- Lemonade
- Sweetened iced tea
- Fruit punch
- Sweetened coffee drinks
- Flavored sports drinks
Get Expert Dental Care From the Best Dentist in Lincoln, NE
You and your family deserve premium care when it comes to your oral health, and that’s exactly what you get when you visit West Gate Dental in Lincoln, NE. We’ll clearly explain your treatment options so you know what to expect and how to get the best results possible.
Book an appointment with West Gate Dental today!